'Inspiring' woman, 99, to walk 200 miles for charity

An "inspiring" woman who is celebrating her 100th year by walking for a homelessness charity has increased her target to 200 miles.

Since July, Phyll Babb, 99, has been walking one mile twice a week to raise money for Wiltshire's Salisbury Trust for the Homeless (STFH).

During an emotional meeting, some people who have been supported by the charity have now thanked Ms Babb for her efforts so far.

Ms Babb said: "It's not about me, it's about encouraging people to give money for the trust. Staff are intensely passionate about helping everybody and I'm so pleased."

Ms Babb originally planned to walk 100 miles (160km) before her 100th birthday on 13 July, but has already covered 80 miles (128km), so she decided to double her target.

She came up with the idea at a fundraising party for the charity, which supports homeless adults by providing accommodation, mental health help and opportunities for the future.

Samuel Goss was homeless for eight months after his marriage and career broke down. He was living with bipolar too, which went undiagnosed until he turned 40.

Mr Goss also suffered an overdose before finding STFH.

"You think you're a failure and then to add on losing everything and making a mess of things, you really genuinely don't think that you deserve to live," the 51-year-old said.

"It's not just about providing a roof - they provide empathy, they provide care and they provide drive," he said.

"Without the support of this trust... I would not be alive today."

Emma Goodridge was living in her van for about six months before she found STFH.

The 50-year-old had contacted other organisations and charities to seek help, but was left waiting.

"The support I've had from [STFH] is absolutely amazing. It makes me get a tear to my eye," she said.

"They have compassion, they help you with paperwork, they double check on you to make sure you're okay.

"Without all of that and the support of the lovely lady walking and helping us... I just think it's wonderful," Ms Goodridge added.

Stephen Thomas-Shergold is also being supported by STFH, following a break-up which left him sofa surfing until he was on the streets.

"Getting off the streets is the hard part because there isn't a lot of help out there," the 38-year-old said.

"If it wasn't for STFH, I'd have nowhere. I'm very thankful for everything that they do and the compassion they give you as well.

"[Phyll] is a very inspiring woman - to still be going at it and trying to help is amazing," he added.

Scott Thatcher, said he is "so grateful" for the support from STFH.

In 2022, he was struggling with addiction and spent three months in rehab to get back on track.

He gave up his home prior to attending and was homeless when he finished his program.

The 47-year-old and his two dogs pitched a tent in the street, where they stayed until they found STFH. Mr Thatcher said the experience impacted his mental health.

"I sort of got ready to be there for Christmas because I couldn't see a way out of there.

"You feel you're out there on your own," he added.

About a week after contacting STFH for help, Mr Thatcher was placed into a house and given mental health support.

"Phyll is amazing. [The money] is going to a good cause and it's helping all of us move on, so thank you so much," he said.

Ms Babb, who is the charity's former chairman, said she is "so pleased" to see it still makes a difference to people's lives.

"Inevitable things happen in life; fortunately, we're able to help them and catch them at the right moment," she said.

"It's not just about finding a night shelter - it's about giving all the other personal support that's so important.

Ms Babb is on track to complete her 100th mile this month and hopes to achieve 200 in time for her centenary celebration.

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